As someone who is reasonably well acquainted with the T2 I can honestly say it is a bloody great little aeroplane (blatant attempt to cosy up to BAE for potential future jobs!).
As a training aircraft it is the best thing available today. It's main competitors are the M346 and the T50. The 346 is a fantastic aircraft but, in my opinion, is too far beyond what you need of a training platform and more akin to a frontline fighter. The jump from Basic Trainer to jet trainer would be a little too big.
The T50 has the same issue and both it and the 346 are a tad too pricey. The Hawk is tried and tested and does everything you need from a trainer. The fact that the T2 is already in service and has it's second customer also weigh heavily in it's favour.
Sadly though I don't think the T2 will win in the USA. I would be delighted, however, to be proven wrong and would happily travel to the States in a BAE flying suit and help to teach the Yanks how to fly it!
BV
